That’s a Wrap - By Mayor Kim Trupiano

Mayor Trupiano

City Council Correspondence: The excerpts below have been sourced from the Diablo Gazette to share with the Clayton Watch Community. You can access the article in the Diablo Gazette's website by following this link: https://www.diablogazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Diablo-Gazette-Dec-25-D.pdf

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By Mayor Kim Trupiano
Kim Trupiano Mayor, Clayton (kimT@claytonca.gov)

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since I became Mayor in the City of Clayton. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the community I love so much. I want to thank everyone for all of their support, feedback, advice, and engagement this year. You helped make this year’s accomplishments that much sweeter.

I started off the year with quite a checklist of goals that I wanted to accomplish, and I am happy to say that the majority of my list has been completed as I end my term. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support and hard work of our City staff, my fellow Councilmembers, and the support of the community.

Here are just some of the highlights from this past year:

• Approval of the City’s first two-year budget for 2025-2026/2026-2027

• Sixth Housing Element completed and submitted to HCD for final approval and certification

• Completion of our two-year, $2 million Climatec project: LED lighting, solar array, EV charging, HVAC, and irrigation controls.

• Successful City-sponsored events like Concerts in the Grove, 4th of July Parade, Classic Car Show, and Hispanic Heritage Day.

• A renewed collaboration with Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA)

• Passage of Geological Hazard Abatement District assessment

• City Council Good Governance Training

• Hosted the Contra Costa County Mayor’s Conference in April

• Recognized the Unsung Heroes in our community each month

• Do The Right Thing Year: a yearround recognition, honoring students from Mt. Diablo Elementary (MDE) and Diablo View Middle Schools

• A continued partnership with the Parent Faculty Clubs (PFC) from both local schools

• Hosted two “Coffee with the Mayor” events to connect with the community

Let’s Talk Business Attention Dog Owners:

Clayton Station Shopping Center is welcoming a new business called Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming. If you haven’t been to their website yet, you must check it out, woofgangbakery. com. They hope to be open early next year. Keep an eye out for other announcements from the shopping center in 2026.

I want to congratulate Nick Maamari, the owner of La Veranda Café in Clayton, for opening his second restaurant in our downtowncalled Vinny’s Taqueria, named after his first grandson. Vinny’s had a soft opening in early November and will be announcing their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony soon. What a nice addition to our downtown, and we wish them all the best.

In addition to Vinny’s, consider other dining options this holiday season like Moresi’s Chophouse, Enye Latin Table and La Veranda Cafe.

I also want to congratulate Cup O’ Jo for celebrating 20 years in business and the Village Market for 35 years in business. What a testament to the dedication and hard work of our business community.

Make It to Clayton for the Holidays!

Be sure to join us on Saturday, December 6, at 5:00 p.m., as the City of Clayton and the CBCA put on another exciting “Holidays in the Grove” program at The Grove Park in our downtown. Festivities include the performances by the CVCHS marching band, the MDE second-grade choir, the Merrie Olde Carolers, hot cider and donuts, Santa and Mrs. Claus including photos with Santa, and of course, the spectacular tree lighting.

The traditional Lighting of the Menorah will take place from December 14 to December 22, at the Corral Plaza in downtown Clayton. Thank you, Claude Heifetz, for organizing a beautiful ceremony all eight nights every year.

Ode to Mayor Kim Trupiano (Short, Sweet, and Beautiful)

I want to conclude my last Mayor’s column with a wonderful poem from the CVCHS Senior Class of 2025:

“Oh, Mayor Kim Trupiano, you’re simply the best,
With wit and charm, you pass every test.
Short and beautiful, you’re quick on your feet,
Fixing problems with smiles, no task you can’t beat.
From potholes to speeches, you’ve got it all,
You handle each challenge, standing tall.
With a twinkle in your eye, and laughter so sweet,
You make every town meeting an unforgettable treat.
You balance the budget with a flick of your wrist,
And no one can top your “Mayor’s list!”
So here’s to you, Kim, who leads with grace,
Making our town a much better place.”

Thank you, Class of 2025 (CVCHS)

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and remember, we’re stronger together!